Best State of the Month: Lagos state

Lagos state Governor: Babajide Sanwo-OluCapital: IkejaLand Mass: App. 3,577 square kilometersPopulation: App. 16.7mGDP: N 41.2 Trillion ($87B)Unemployment Rate: 5.5%GDP Growth Rate: 10%Population Growth Rate: 3.7%

As of November 2024, Lagos State continues to lead among Nigerian states in terms of
various development indices. It excels particularly in economic strength, revenue
generation independent of federal allocations, and public health preparedness. Lagos, for
instance, topped the Health Preparedness Index, reflecting its advanced healthcare
infrastructure and proactive health policies.
Lagos’ dominance is linked to its large population, strategic location, robust economic
activities, and effective governance that prioritize innovation and infrastructure
expansion.
Located in the southwestern geopolitical zone of Nigeria, is the smallest state by land
area but the most populous in the country. As of the most recent estimates, the
population of Lagos State is approximately 16.7 million, making it one of the fastest-
growing cities globally. Lagos is Nigeria’s economic hub, contributing significantly to the
country’s GDP through trade, commerce, and finance.
The state capital is Ikeja, a major administrative and commercial center known for its
extensive government institutions, bustling markets, and business parks, as well as the
Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

Five administrative divisions: Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, and Epe (often
abbreviated as IBILE), which are further divided into Local Government Areas (LGAs). The
state is a major center for culture, education, media, and technology, with vibrant
industries spanning from fashion to film, commonly referred to as “Nollywood.”
Lagos State’s economy is driven by commerce, transportation, real estate, and
technology, with a high concentration of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and
a rapidly growing tech sector earning it the reputation of being a tech hub in Africa.
The current governor of Lagos State is Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who assumed office on May
29, 2019, and was re-elected in 2023. He is affiliated with the All Progressives Congress
(APC). Lagos State has a land mass of approximately 3,577 square kilometers, making it
Nigeria’s smallest state by land area, yet it is the most densely populated and
economically significant​.
Major towns in Lagos State include Ikeja (the state capital), Lagos Island, Surulere,
Ikorodu, Epe, Badagry, and Apapa. The state serves as Nigeria’s economic hub with its
bustling ports, markets, and extensive commercial activities.
Alimosho is a local government area in Lagos City, South West Nigeria. It is the largest
local government in Lagos in terms of population.
Religious demographics, Lagos is a highly diverse state. It has a predominantly Christian
and Muslim population, with adherents of traditional religions making up a smaller
proportion. The population distribution is fluid due to urbanization, but it remains almost
evenly split between Christians and Muslims, reflecting the cultural melting pot nature of
the state.
Lagos State’s economy is the largest in Nigeria, and its GDP contributes a significant
portion to the nation’s total. However, precise figures for 2024, such as the state’s GDP,
growth rate, unemployment rate, inflation rate, and import/export data, would typically
require access to the latest state-specific economic reports or updates from reputable
financial institutions or government sources like the Lagos Bureau of Statistics or the
National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).